RSAF's latest tanker aircraft to make its NDP debut

Look up and look out – aviation buffs won't want to miss the aerial display at this year's National Day Parade (NDP). 
 
The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) will be making its first appearance at the NDP. Flanked by two F-15SG fighter jets, the MRTT will fly past the Padang in an arrowhead formation.
 
Audiences can also look forward to two exciting aerial manoeuvres performed by F-15SG fighter jets. This is in addition to the signature State Flag flypast and bomb burst manoeuvres, shared Chairman Air Participation Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Peter Chiam, 43.  
 
Unveiled at the RSAF's golden jubilee celebrations on 1 Sep 2018, the MRTT is able to conduct air-to-air refuelling as well as airlift operations at the same time. 
 
Equipped with longer flight endurance as well as larger cargo and passenger capacity compared to its predecessor (the KC-135R aerial tanker), this next-generation tanker aircraft can also provide more fuel to other aircraft.
 
Preparations for the aerial flypast began in March – this may be the first time all three aircraft are flying over the Padang together, but the crew is already used to such formations, thanks to their day-to-day training and operations.
 
LTC Chiam noted that that while "it is always natural for us to have different aircraft operating, be it for NDPs or our operations, the airspace at the Padang is smaller (compared to the Marina Bay Floating Platform) so it's more challenging for the pilots to do their run-in and the manoeuvres because the tolerance for error is much tighter and they have to get it right the first time."
 
MRTT pilot Captain (CPT) Teo Yi Quan, 30, explained that constant communication with the F-15SG crew before and during flight is important, in order to put up a good show.
 
"We discuss with the F-15SG aircrew to find a good balance so that both platforms can fly at a comfortable speed. This allows us to slow down and accelerate as and when required," he said.
 
A total of three crew members – two pilots and an air refuelling operator – will be on board the MRTT during the flypast.
 
For Staff Sergeant (SSG) Chan Chee Jie, participating in the NDP flypast is a huge honour, especially as this is his first time.
 
"I'm very excited 'cos this is a new platform and to showcase it as the pioneer batch of MRTT crew is really special," said the 27-year-old MRTT air refuelling operator.
 
Following the flypast, the F-15SGs will execute stunts such as the shackle manoeuvre and a High G-turn into a vertical climb. The former involves two F-15SGs crossing each other's path in an hourglass formation. 
 
Come 9 Aug, all eyes will be on F-15SG pilot Major (MAJ) Arumugan Sivaraj, 32, and Weapon Systems Officer (Fighter) CPT Vincent Tan, 33, as they perform the High G-turn and vertical climb.
 
"I'm looking forward to it as I'm doing this for the first time," said MAJ Sivaraj, who is also deputy flight lead for the aerial display.
 
CPT Tan, who is in charge of coordinating and planning the aerial display, added: "We had to make sure that the sequencing of events was perfect. Executing the manoeuvre is not that difficult, but being able to do it with precision around the Padang area takes a lot of practice and preparation." 
 
While taking part in NDP means many "burnt" weekends, the crew have no regrets.
 
Air Force Engineer Military Expert (ME) 1 Tay Hui Yuh said: "Many of my weekends are spent in base working but it's a meaningful sacrifice 'cos we're all contributing to preparing for the NDP."
 
The 24-year-old is part of the flight line crew who launch and receive the F-15SGs.
 
MAJ Sivaraj summed it up: "(Participating in NDP) is something that every RSAF personnel wants to do at least once in their air force career. It's (about) the passion, the pride and hope that we can put up a good show."